Royal HaskoningDHV Joins Risk Reduction Team in Cuba

Royal HaskoningDHV has formed part of a risk reduction team that last week visited Havana, Cuba, to share expertise on flood and climate change protection in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

“The Dutch Risk Reduction Team (DRR-Team) is an initiative created by the Dutch government and water sector to share the country’s well-respected flood prevention expertise worldwide. The program is executed by the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO),” Royal HaskoningDHV said in their latest release.

“As climate change intensifies, strengthening its defenses against extreme weather is an urgent priority for Cuba.”

The visit was organised by the country’s Environment Agency to seek advice and collaboration on risk reduction strategy. Within this, a key focus is coastal protection for the Malecón of Havana, Cuba’s famous promenade and seawall.

Royal HaskoningDHV Water Project Manager, Arend van de Kerk, took part in the visit, together with Dutch flood prevention experts Joana van Nieuwkoop, coastal expert from Deltares, and Marinus Pool, an international consultant.

The trip involved visits to key flood risk sites in Havana as well as roundtable sessions to facilitate collaboration and partnership.